Bucs wide receiver Joey Galloway is getting evaluated after sustaining what the team called a foot sprain  Sunday against the Falcons. The Bucs expect to know more about his playing status on Wednesday, coach Jon Gruden said Monday during his weekly news conference.

Galloway left in the second half of the Bucs' 24-9 win and did not return. He was seen this morning hobbling around One Buc Place with the aid of crutches, an ominous sign heading into the week.

"At this point, there is some concern,'' Gruden said. "After we get the doctor's report, we'll let you know.''

Galloway, the Bucs' biggest deep threat, missed the entire preseason with a hamstring strain. If he can't play this week against the Chicago Bears, Maurice Stovall, who was inactive against the Falcons, will be available.

Gruden said the team also expects to know more about the extent of cornerback Aqib Talib's hamstring injury on Wednesday, though Talib said after the game he returned to the field briefly and did not fear the injury was serious.

Brian Griese appears to have earned another start at quarterback after going 18 of 31 for 160 yards and a touchdown in his first start for the Bucs in three seasons.

"We don't anticipate any changes at that position this week,'' Gruden said.

The role of quarterback Jeff Garcia, the Bucs' opening-week starter, "will be determined on a ''week-to-week basis,'' Gruden said.

Tight end Jerramy Stevens returns this week after being suspended the first two games for violating the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy. That means the Bucs will have to release a player from their active roster to make room. There is a chance that it could be another tight end, most likely Ben Troupe.

Asked about that possibility Monday, Gruden said only that there would be some tough decisions to make. That transaction could be made as early as today.